Savannah State University celebrated its alumni on October 16, 2026 during the Homecoming weekend banquet held in the campus Student Union Building. The Savannah State University National Alumni Association (SSUNAA) presented a slate of awards that highlighted the lasting impact of former students, families and volunteers on the university and the broader Savannah community.
Alumnus of the Year and Distinguished Service
Professor Patricia West, a native Savannahian who retired as an assistant professor of English in 2022, was named Alumnus of the Year. West earned her bachelor’s degree from SSU in 1976, a master’s in English Education from Georgia Southern University in 1996, and reached doctoral candidacy at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2016. Her long‑standing involvement with the SSUNAA includes serving as the Savannah Chapter Queen for the 2025‑26 term and receiving the Distinguished Community Service Award for 2023‑2024.
Dr. Marilyn Taylor also received the Distinguished Community Service Award, recognizing her contributions to both the university and local charitable initiatives.
Family and Chapter Honors
The Scott‑West family was celebrated as Family of the Year, honoring their years of service to the STAR Pantry and a legacy that includes more than 26 bachelor of science degrees and several Upward Bound participants. The Cynthia Jackson Formey family received the same distinction, underscoring the importance of family‑centered volunteerism.
SSUNAA’s Metro Atlanta Chapter was named Chapter of the Year, while the Valdosta Chapter earned a Presidential Medallion of Excellence presented by SSUNAA President Harold Washington.
Entrepreneurial and Youth Recognition
Ken Albright, Sr. was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year for his leadership in local business development. Alexander Richardson, Jr. received the Prestigious Young Alumnus of the Year award, highlighting the next generation of SSU leaders.
Additional Presidential Medallion of Excellence awards went to Beauty Baldwin of the Metro Atlanta Chapter and Attorney Willie Walker, Executive Vice President of SSUNAA.
Life Memberships and New Honors
The banquet also marked the induction of new Life Members who have demonstrated long‑term commitment to the alumni association. New Life Members include Cheryl Farley Eady, Pat Carrington, Faith May Anderson, Natasha Singleton, Dorothy McCarr, Antoine Stewart, John Charles Milline, Tshaka Malik Al‑Kush and Thomas Ferrebee III. Diamond Life Membership was bestowed upon Maznyl Newsome and Dr. Cathy Kennedy Harris, while Brandi Fuller Childress, Sherry Jackson, Beverly Turner, Sarah Stevens and Matthew Hudson were welcomed as Prestigious Life Members.
Faith and Community Service
Since childhood, Professor West has been an active member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves the Mission Ministry as historian and reporter under the Honorable Rev. Chester A. Ellis. Her faith‑based service exemplifies the strong ties between SSU alumni and local churches.
The banquet underscored the university’s commitment to fostering a network of alumni who support education, entrepreneurship, and community service. By honoring these individuals and families, SSUNAA reinforces the values of service, integrity, character and leadership that define the organization.
As Homecoming festivities continue across campus, the university looks forward to further collaboration with its alumni, encouraging future graduates to follow the example set by this year’s honorees.
Original reporting: The Savannah Tribune — read the source article.
